Christopher Kent Heinz was a 2007 graduate of Newfane High School in Newfane, NY, where he was an all-around student athlete. He played football during all four years of high school.

Heinz joined the U.S. Army in January 2012 as a combat engineer. At the time of his death he was assigned to Company C, 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, TX.

On Sunday, July 14, Heinz was swimming with friends at Stillhouse Hollow Lake near Salado, TX, when he disappeared while trying to swim across a cove. Divers recovered his body that afternoon.

Medals and Awards

National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon